Gavin Becomes a Contender

Rupert Gavin, the former chief executive of BBC Worldwide, has joined children’s animation outfit Contender Entertainment Group as non-executive chairman. Gavin will assist Contender in its goal of doubling its share of the U.K.’s DVD market and expanding its property base. Tractor Tom and Peppa Pig are among the toons produced by Contender.

During his time at the BBC, Gavin was responsible for hits such as Blue Planet, The Weakest Link and The Office, as well as kids shows such as The Teletubbies and The Tweenies. Before his role at the BBC, Gavin headed the consumer division at BT and was the deputy managing director of Dixon’s Group. As well as being the chief executive of Kingdom Media, Gavin is also a director of the Ambassador Theatre Group and is on the board of Virgin Mobile.